PhD Studentship: Plant Calcium Signalling & Environmental Evolution
Investigate the evolutionary adaptation of plant calcium signalling pathways in response to environmental stress.
Best for:Best for biology graduates with a strong interest in plant molecular genetics, cellular stress biology, and evolutionary physiology.
Overview
The University of East Anglia invites applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship within the School of Biological Sciences. The project explores how plants perceive and adapt to environmental stresses through cellular calcium signalling, using the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha as a model. The successful candidate will employ bioimaging, molecular genetics, and CRISPR gene editing to evaluate stress responses in the context of global climate change. The researcher will receive comprehensive training in plant physiology, cell biology, and data analysis while preparing manuscripts for publication.
What you'll do
- Evaluate plant growth and physiological responses under varying environmental conditions.
- Apply bioimaging techniques to measure cellular calcium signals in liverwort models.
- Perform qRT-PCR and transcriptomic data analyses to examine gene expression changes.
- Design and execute CRISPR gene editing experiments to knockout stress signalling genes.
- Prepare research manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Present research findings at national and international academic conferences.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor's degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) in biological or environmental sciences
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English
Instruction: English
- Background in biological or environmental sciences
- Strong foundational knowledge in plant biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary research laboratory
- Strong motivation and interest in natural environmental responses
- Open to applicants meeting UKRI eligibility criteria for home or international fees
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-16
Candidates must submit their application through the university postgraduate admissions portal by the specified deadline. Ensure all required academic transcripts and supporting documents are attached before submission.
- CV
- Cover letter
- BSc transcripts
- Reference letters
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